dowry ..." He also worries that she is not sufficiently highly bred for him: "I don't suppose she is the daughter of an Officer?... So, is this really the best bargain?" Fyokla suggests that he can't afford be fussy with his poor looks and greying hair! Scene 3 Unexpectedly Kochkaryov, Podkolyosin's best friend, turns up and is angry to see the marriage broker. He complains that she has married him off to a troublesome, bossy woman. He sends her away, and decides to take over the match-making duties himself. Scene 4 He paints an idealistic and hassle-free picture of married life for his friend: "There will be a bird in its cage and some embroidery. Just imagine yourself in your chair, quiet and serene and at your side a little caressing woman, all round and pretty. Her hand will stroke you ... like this ..." A reluctant Podkolyosin resists Kochkaryov's demands that he at least visit the girl: "Leave it for now ... come on, we'll go tomorrow." And Kochkaryov answers: "You're an idiot and coward! You are even worse ... you're a sissy and an ass!" And Kochkaryov literally shoves Podkolesin out of the door of his apartment. Here the 1st act ends. Versions by other hands Recordings References Notes External links The Musical Pointers' review Première by Sokhiev (Nagovitsin orchestration) – review Operas by Modest Mussorgsky Russian-language operas Operas based on works by Nikolai Gogol Unfinished operas 1868 operas Operas Operas completed by others Operas based on plays